Technology simply put is “the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.” (Dictionary.com, LLC., 2010). Technology can range from anything between your cell phone to your microwave, toaster oven to a shower head, and pretty much everything in between. The benefits to such technology are great. It makes life easier, makes running a business easier and more efficient, makes life more entertaining, and it can even help save lives. There is a vast world of technology out there, and most of us have yet to discover it.
Technology is all around us; we look at it, work with it, and also deal with it on a daily basis. Most of the technological advancements have been much needed, while most of the time we take the rest of it for granted. But is the technology that we are taking for granted actually beneficial, or is it actually causing us harm? While these technological advancements have helped us greatly and have made life easier and more entertaining, they have also increased the amount of dangerous pollutants, as well as creating potentially dangerous environmental issues. Since there is a massive amount of technology and the waste that it produces, this paper will only take a look at one primary example, computers and computer monitors. Computer monitors are so similar to televisions, that televisions could also fall into this example as well.
The invention of the computer has been very hard to trace. There are so many different kinds of computers, and the earliest machines can be considered as the abacus, the calculator, tablets, and difference machines. The first ‘programmable computer’ was known as the Z1, and was “originally created by Germany's Konrad Zuse in his parents living room in 1936 to 1938 is considered to be the first electrical binary programmable computer.” (Computer Hope, 2010). Since then there have been a multitude of creations for different machines, however, the first personal computer can be linked to an initial development date of 1971. “In 1975 Ed Roberts coined the term personal computer when he introduced the Altair 8800. Although the first personal computer is considered to be the Kenback-1, which was first introduced for $750 in 1971. The computer relied on a series of switches for inputting data and output data by turning on and off a series of lights. The Micral is considered to be the first commercial non-assembly computer. The computer used the Intel 8008 processor and sold for $1,750 in 1973.” (Computer Hope, 2010). Since then, computer use has taken off, and have become a must have item in nearly all households.
Computers have a great amount of benefits. Typical computer use includes school and education purposes, business and work related purposes, and entertainment purposes. In fact, the computer can be used for nearly anything now, as compared to what they were capable of at their initial release. Computers can be used to increase our learning capabilities. They can be used for a wealth of knowledge at our finger tips to educate the users about virtually anything. Colleges have even begun using the internet to offer online courses. The benefits of online courses should be enough to speak for themselves.
Computers in the education world are used for a variety of purposes. Students use them to retrieve educational materials for assignments, or just to read for educational reasons. Using computers students can gather a world of information. “Teachers use them as tools as well, to help gather student achievement data, or compile teaching activities and resources for their students. Computers are essential tools for productive and successful students. Additionally, the teaching profession benefits tremendously from the use of computers as diagnostic tools and sources of shared information among professionals.” (eHow, Inc., 1999-2010).
Computers are used heavily for business purposes, and most businesses are even based on the internet themselves, such as Amazon.com, Newegg.com, and a world of other online stores and businesses. “Computers are used for all aspects of running a business. Computer use in a business enhances productivity and provides results that might not otherwise be possible. Businesses use computers to keep records, develop budgets and forecasts, prepare marketing documents, research and stay in contact with other employees and customers. Businesses should look at their operation and ensure that they are using their computers to the fullest extent.” (eHow, Inc., 1999-2010).
While computer use is mainly educational and business related, one cannot overlook the personal and entertainment purposes of these machines. Computer use for entertainment purposes is limitless, we can use it for social purposes, such as messaging, forums, website based networking, and even voice/video communications using software such as Skype. People can use computers for music, movies, video games, online shopping, and so much more. Most of Microsoft’s operating systems are designed for home entertainment use, and they have integrated a multitude of features that we can use for almost anything. We really aren’t limited to what we can do.
With all of these benefits it is hard to keep the downsides and pitfalls of computer use in mind. As computers are becoming less expensive and more readily available to anyone, they have become a necessity in our lives. The increased use has lead to increased waste, and these computers and peripherals tend to use highly toxic and hazardous materials. However, there are steps being taken to reduce the amount of power they use, and to reduce the amount of hazardous materials they contain. Next we’ll dive into the downsides of these machines, and what is being done to reduce the waste they contribute.
Let’s take a look at the typical home computer monitor. Pretty much everyone has one in today’s society. There is a multitude of chemicals, gasses and other pollutants found in the average home PC display. A typical CRT type monitor holds a great deal of these pollutants. During the course of the past few years, CRT based monitors and televisions have nearly been phased out and have brought the introduction of LCD based monitors and televisions to the market. This has been a great benefit. First, the amount of pollutants in a LCD monitor or television is greatly reduced in comparison to the vintage CRT type. CRT monitors contain “several pounds of lead, mercury, and barium. These chemicals are highly toxic, and are a problem when disposing of CRT monitors. LCDs only have mercury in their backlights (only a few milligrams), but do not contain those other harmful chemicals” (Mike Vande Ven Jr., 1998-2010).
“Most computer monitors contain cathode-ray-tubes which are known to contain at least five toxic materials. The toxins are safely locked in the monitor normally, but when it is crushed or burned these toxins are released damaging the environment. When disposed of properly they can be almost fully recycled and the hazardous material reused or cleanly removed.” (eHow, Inc., 1999-2010).
The typical LCD monitor also uses less power than that of the CRT based monitor, drastically decreasing the amount of pollution exerted by power plants, as “the approximate cost of using the LCD 24 hours a day is $3.74 per month. If you use this device for three years, the extended power cost for the life of the device would be $134.78. By comparison, if you had a CRT device consuming 90 watts with the same usage requirements, its monthly power consumption would be $6.48, and its three-year usage cost would be $233.68.” (Gadgetopia, 2004). This is indeed a drastic decrease in the amount of power usage, almost halved by new technology. But is this the answer we need in order to decrease pollution?
Most people will argue yes, while most will argue no. Consumers do not realize that the old technology they are discarding is piling up, and piling up rapidly. They are only considering the benefits of the upgrade, how much money they can save, and the quality they are now getting compared to the past. With the upgrade in computer display technology, and the decrease in the pollutants they hold, what is being done with the old CRT displays? Disposal methods today are relatively the same as they were in the past. This typically includes throwing the material into large waste centers, usually piled up and sitting out in the open exposed to weather, wildlife, and the overall environment.
What are the options available for properly disposing of old, broken or unused technology and similar equipment? Besides throwing it to the curb for the trash collector to pick up and continue to pile in a disposal field, computer manufacturers are becoming more prominent about recycling old materials. Dell offers several ways to dispose of your old Dell branded technology, and even has locations for you to bring the materials to. (See http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/environment/en/recycling_main?c=us&l=en for more information). Dell typically reuses the old materials in their new computers, and can even help cut the cost of new dell branded computers and peripherals. There are great benefits to manufacturer based recycling programs. The main benefit being that it is completely environmentally friendly. Computers and monitors (besides the toxins in the screen itself) are mainly made with plastics. These plastics can be melted down and reused in machines. There is no real need to pile these machines up in a garbage dump.
Computer users are not fully familiar with how to properly dispose of their old computers and computer monitors, and hopefully through these programs as well as the EPA, the awareness can be increased. The “EPA is working to educate consumers and others on why it is important to reuse and recycle electronics and what the options are for safe reuse and recycling of these products. State and local governments, manufacturers, and retailers, who are already aware of the pressing need to better manage these materials, are providing more opportunities to recycle and reuse this equipment. Many computer manufacturers, TV manufacturers, and electronics retailers offer some kind of take back program or sponsor recycling events.” (EPA, 2010).
Another way to help reduce the amount of waste produced by technology would be creating technology that is built to last longer. The author has personally have been a PC technician for roughly 15 years, and based on experience, the typical computer, it’s hardware and peripherals usually lasts two or three years. If the computers are built to only last a specific amount of time, this forces consumers to buy new hardware and thus, throwing away their old machines. Computer manufacturers have the ability to produce materials that are built to last longer, and by doing so would reduce the amount we throw away.
The proper steps are being taken in order to raise awareness for proper disposal of old technology such as computers and monitors, however, there is one aspect that is missing; properly advertising these methods. People have to research, and research heavily on locations and various methods in order to achieve this, and an increase in advertisement of these methods would be the ultimate solution to proper disposal. Donation programs should also begin being used. Older technology is great for children who are learning to use a computer. Senior centers are also in need of computers, and older technology is suitable for the elderly community that would only use a computer for extremely limited use. We cannot continue to keep on disposing our technology using the methods we are currently using. Society loves technology, it helps us, we benefit from it, we learn from it, we run our businesses with it, and it can even help save our lives. Consumers cannot keep overlooking the downsides of technology though, since it is a growing problem. We are on track to heavily reducing the waste, and with the help of manufacturers, the EPA, donation programs, increased awareness and proper advertisement, even by manufacturing and using energy efficient equipment, we can continue to help reduce the amount of waste in our environment. So far we have done a great job, and we can work together to make a difference.

References:
Computer Hope. (2010). When was the first computer invented?. Retrieved from http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000984.htm eHow, Inc.. (1999-2010). Different Uses of Computers in Business. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_5278106_different-uses-computers-business.html eHow, Inc.. (1999-2010). Educational Benefits of a Computer. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_5427864_educational-benefits-computer.html
Dictionary.com, LLC.. (2010). Technology. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/technology
Gadgetopia. (2004). How Much Power do LCD Monitors Save?. Retrieved from http://gadgetopia.com/post/2438
Mike Vande Ven Jr.. (1998-2010). CRT vs LCD monitors. Retrieved from http://www.giantmike.com/articles/crtvslcd-page2.html eHow, Inc.. (1999-2010). How to Dispose of a Computer Monitor. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_2046276_dispose-computer-monitor.html
EPA. (2010). eCycling. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm